On May 1st Detroiters behind on their water bills could have their water completely shut off.
But this morning The Detroit Water & Sewerage Department announced new financial assistance programs to help residents avoid having the water to their home turned off.
Twenty-three thousand people in Detroit are drowning in overdue water utility bills.
The average past due amount is $663 - according to the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department. Water shut offs begin on May 1st.
Today the director of DWSD announced 2 new programs to help Detroit residents keep the water on.
For those at 150% of the poverty level or below, there's a new program called WRAP.
Administered by Wayne Metro Community Action Agency, up to $1000 dollars a year is available to pay past and current bills.
And there's more help - if you're water usage is a lot higher than it should be, you can get up to $1000 in minor home repair assistance to figure out what's going on.
Those who don't qualify for WRAP can sign up for the 10/30/50 payment plan with DWSD.
Participating in the program keeps the water turned on.
